Post
by icetort2012 » Thu Dec 06, 2012 2:02 pm
I JUST GOT THIS REPLY
Icetort, looking at your timeline I suspect you're just about to hear from the UKBA. However, lets see if we can help with your question in the meantime.
Firstly, under the new rules there is a line drawn in the sand that everyone needs to cross. If your income/savings exceeds the appropriate threshold you pass, if it doesn't then your application fails. There will be no argument or room for discussion.
The old rules applied to applications submitted before 9th July 2012 - or those already on the 'path to settlement' - are more flexible. The other big difference is that its not just income but rather the amount of your income remaining after you've paid your housing costs AND whether this is greater than the benefit level for someone not in work.
Confused? Yeah most people are but its really simple to calculate.
Basically, you need to add your incomes together, plus tax credits (but not child benefits I believe). Then minus off your rent/mortgage and council tax payments. Make a note of what's left, this is your maintenance figure.
Now, currently the social security level for a couple is £111.45 per week (you'll see people quoting £105 but it has been increased recently) or £5795.40 per year. You will also need to add on child tax credits. The combined total (probably around £200 per week for a couple with 2 kids) is the minimum level UKBA deems acceptable to live on... also commonly known as the minimum maintenance requirement.
The question is, is your maintenance figure greater than the minimum maintenance requirement?
If you're comfortably over and have provided the necessary documents to support your case then you shouldn't worry. If its closer or just below, then also don't worry. The case workers have some leeway (but not much) and will usually ask for more information if you're just short and everything else passes.
Looking at the numbers you supplied, I would say you easily meet the maintenance requirement. But, I'm not the one approving your application nor so I know all your circumstances. Hopefully though, you can work it out from the information above.
For anyone else, just bear in mind that the old rules maintenance requirement is not a fixed figure and differs slightly for each applicant. It is also affected heavily by your personal housing costs
